The next two Heineken Cup finals will take place in Britain after the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was confirmed as the venue for the 2010-11 final and Twickenham was awarded the right to stage the final in 2012.

"We are delighted to be coming back to Cardiff for the 2011 Heineken Cup final. It is a city that has fully embraced the Heineken Cup ever since our first season when the home team reached the inaugural final," European Rugby Cup's chief executive, Derek McGrath, said.

"We have already staged five hugely successful finals in the Welsh capital and it will be exciting for all the clubs in the tournament to be aiming to play at the magnificent home of Welsh rugby."

The group chief executive of Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, said: "The decision to stage the 2011 Heineken Cup final in the Millennium Stadium is a great honour for Wales and for Welsh rugby. This event will bring tens of thousands of visiting fans into our capital and create a truly carnival atmosphere for a game which is certain to be a sell-out.

"The three finals staged at the Millennium Stadium in recent years have generated more than £50m for the Welsh economy and the event has had a hugely beneficial financial impact on the Welsh nation."

Martyn Thomas, the chairman of the Rugby Football Union management board, said Twickenham being chosen to host the 2012 final: "In 15 short years the Heineken Cup has become a vivid and exhilarating part of the rugby landscape.

"Year on year it is becoming more competitive, more high profile and more exciting. The opportunity to host the 2012 final at Twickenham, the largest rugby stadium in the world, is a privilege and we look forward to an 82,000 full house to celebrate the best of European club rugby."

The Millennium Stadium last hosted the final in 2008, as Munster beat Toulouse 16-13. Twickenham staged the 2007 final which Wasps won by beating Leicester 25-9.